Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Dance School in Worthing, West Sussex
JBS Dance has been nurturing dancers for over eight decades, building on a legacy established by Jean Butterworth FRAD. Our school combines technical excellence with creative expression, offering structured training from early childhood through to professional levels. With qualified instructors holding prestigious qualifications from RAD and ISTD, we provide comprehensive dance education across multiple disciplines. Our state-of-the-art facilities in Worthing feature Harlequin sprung floors and full-length mirrors to support optimal learning. We maintain a strong tradition of preparing students for examinations while fostering confidence and poise through performance opportunities.Our biennial school shows and participation in festivals demonstrate our commitment to practical experience. The recent appointment of Principal Molly Assig ensures continuity of our family-oriented ethos while embracing new teaching innovations. Our graduates consistently achieve success in vocational training and professional theatre careers, testament to our rigorous standards. The onsite Pas de Chat dancewear shop provides expert fittings for all performance requirements. With three generations of teaching heritage, we remain dedicated to inspiring future dance professionals and lifelong enthusiasts.
Services
Classical Ballet
Modern Dance
Jazz Classes
Tap Instruction
Contemporary Dance
Pointe Work
Musical Theatre
Commercial Dance
Adult Ballet
Pilates Sessions
Details
- Year established: 1945
Highlights and features
- 80+ years nurturing professional dance careers
- Qualified instructors with industry performance experience
- Harlequin sprung flooring in all studios
- Biennial school productions and competition participation
- Onsite dancewear shop with expert fittings
Associations and certifications
- Royal Academy of Dance (RAD)
- Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)
Services
Classical Ballet
Structured RAD syllabus training from pre-school to vocational levels. Develops technical precision, musicality and grace through traditional methods. Classes include barre work, centre practice and performance preparation.
Modern Dance
ISTD-accredited modern dance instruction combining lyrical movement with theatrical expression. Focuses on versatility and emotional storytelling through contemporary choreography and improvisation techniques.
Tap Classes
Technical tap instruction emphasizing musicality and rhythmic complexity. Classes develop coordination and improvisation skills through progressive exercises and performance routines.
Contemporary Dance
Expressive contemporary training exploring movement dynamics and emotional connection. Incorporates floor work, release techniques and creative choreography for developing artistic individuality.
Adult Ballet
Beginner to intermediate ballet classes for adults. Focuses on technique development, fitness and enjoyment through traditional barre and centre work adapted for mature learners.
People
Molly Assig
Principal
Principal of JBS Dance since 2025 with 15 years teaching experience. Former professional performer with Lido de Paris and international tours. Holds ISTD qualifications and DDI/DDE diplomas. Champions creativity while maintaining traditional standards.
Caroline Jenkins
Classical Ballet Instructor
RAD examiner with extensive teaching and performance experience. Trained at Royal Ballet School and performed with Ballet Royal De Wallonie. Specialises in classical technique and character dance instruction.
Lucy Borthwick
Modern Dance Instructor
Qualified in dance movement psychotherapy with specialist knowledge in contemporary techniques. Holds ARAD status and BA (Hons) in Contemporary Dance. Focuses on mental wellbeing through creative expression.
Bonnie Assig
Tap Instructor
Professional performer with Carnival Cruise Lines. Bird College graduate specialising in tap technique. Creates engaging classes combining technical skill with performance energy for young dancers.
Questions
What dance styles do you teach?
We offer classical ballet, modern, jazz, tap, contemporary, pointe work, musical theatre, commercial dance, and adult ballet classes.
Do you accept beginners?
Yes, we welcome all abilities from age 18 months upwards. Our structured progression ensures appropriate development for every skill level.
Are exams mandatory?
Examinations are optional. We focus on technical development and enjoyment, with exam preparation available for those seeking formal assessment.
What facilities do you have?
Our studios feature Harlequin sprung floors, full-length mirrors, and ballet barres. We have changing facilities, parking, and onsite dancewear shop Pas de Chat.
How often are performances held?
We stage a full school production every two years, with regular festival and competition participation throughout the year.
Can adults join classes?
Yes, we offer adult ballet, pilates, yoga, and ballroom/salsa classes for recreational and technical development purposes.
